Collapsible screen



J. S. CULP ET AL COLLAPSIBLE SCREEN Filed OCb. ll, 1932 April l0, 1934.

3 Sheets-Sheet l Inventors cz//a f?, d). a//a Home y April 10,

1934. J. s. cuLP ET AL COLLAPSIBLE SCREEN Filed Oct. 1l, 1932 April 10, 1934. J Jl SICULP ET AL 1,954,402

- COLLAPSIBLE SCREEN Filed OCT.. ll, 1932 S'SheeS-Sheel', 3

/1 l F l l u) #I x E :l y u,

y 1 l: :l I IIS Z W n M tlorney Patented Apr. 10, 1934 1,954,402 coLLAPsrLEAscREEN Jeremiah S. Culp and Ralph D. Culp, Mason City, Ill.

Application October 11, 1932, Serial No. 637,334

1 Claim.

IThis invention relates to the broad class of burial accessories and appurtenances and has more specific reference to a structure which may be conveniently referred to as a collapsible screen.

More explicitly recited, the improved screen has reference to a foldable portable device for use in association with conventional supports for cofns.

In carrying the inventive conception into actual practice, we have evolved and produced a structural assembly which is sufficiently decorative to harmonize with the complete setting and which serves to adequately conceal the sometimes unsightly wheeled carriage or other equivalent support with which it is used.

The purpose of the invention is to provide a screen of this character which is characterized by the requisite ornamental and utilitarian characteristics whereby to provide an unequaled achievement in this line of endeavor which we submit, may well be endorsed by and acceptable to the trade in that it serves eifectively for show room display purposes and is equally well adapted for use in the home of the deceased, burial parlors and the like, to add to the luxurious and sumptuous setting without becoming too lavish and conspicuous in visual aspect.

In the accompanying drawings, wherein like numerals are employed to designate like parts throughout the same:

Figure 1 is a perspective view of a conventional burial ensemble or setting showing the position assumed by the ornamental screen.

Figure 2 is an elevational view of the especially fabricated and finished screen or covering per se.

Figure 3 is a perspective view of the foldable or collapsible frame work utilized for supporting the covering illustrated in Figure 2.

Figure 4 is a fragmentary edge view of the frame structure.

Figure 5 is a horizontal sectional view taken approximately on the plane of the line 5-5 of Figure 3.

Briey stated, the gist of the invention is predicated upon a knock-down portable assemblage of appropriately selected and co-ordinated parts especially proportioned and appropriately fitted for the purpose intended, said assemblage embodying a collapsible framework and a detachable ornamental covering or screen therefor, the structure as a whole being properly proportioned with respect to the coinn so as to occupy the space between the base of the latter r and the iloor while surrounding the customary support or truck in a manner to conceal the latter while being independent of attachment to the coffin or the support.

The ensemble forming the framework is com-K 1 posed of a plurality of hingedly connected sec`` tions or units. These are preferably in the form of light weight wooden frames. For sake of distinction the end frames (see Figure 3) are denoted by the numerals 6, while the frontal orA body frames are distinguished by the numerals" '7. Any number of such frames may be provided according to the size of the structure needed.

Each frame is of general rectangular configuration and it will be noted that the end frames 6 are smaller in proportion than the" frame '7 whereby to permit said frame 6 to swing in and out freely beneath the coflin providing the requisite clearance between the floor and the bottom of the coffin in order to faciltate application and removal of the structure.

The frames are joined together by double-acting hinges generally denoted by the numerals 8. The hinges are actually made up of pairs of canvas or leather straps. is made up of closely related straps 9 and 10 arranged in reverse order so that the connective or intermediate portions 11 are left free to saddle over or embrace a removable maintenance stick 12.

As shown in Figure 5, this stick is square incross section. This provides for the double acting or reversible hinge effect whereby to permit the frame to be swung either in or out to permit proper placement and subsequent folding for transportation purposes. Thus the frame struci' ture is characterized by compactness and convenience.

As a matter of convenience the portions 1l of the respective straps may be designated as opposed loops forming seats for reception of the` complemental sticks l2.

Under normal circumstances the body frames 'l are arranged in longitudinal alinernent when in use while the end frames 6 are directed inwardly into converging relationship and at appropriate angles with respect to the frame 7 in order to render the frame structure self-supporting and sustaining. The covering or screen is denoted, as a unit, by the numeral 14. This is of proportions commensurate with the frame struc?" ture and of appropriate finish and texture to harmonize with the remainder of the setting with which it is used. Only the outer face thereof need be finished for requisite adornment. Inr other words, the inner face may be plain and so In other words, each hinge y the same height, double hinges connecting the side edges of said frames together, a pair of end frames of open-work construction and of less height than the first mentioned frame, double hinges connecting a side edge of each end frame to a side edge of the adjacent frame, each end frame having its upper and lower edge spaced inwardly from the upper and lower edges of the first mentioned frames, and a cover connected to the frames and entirely covering the outer faces thereof.

JEREMIAH S. CULP.

RALPH D. CULP. 

